Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds

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Summary

• Widespread distribution. Tropics and sub-tropics of Asia, North and South America, Oceania. On  ornamental Hibiscus, and bele (aibika, sliperi kabis, island cabbage, Abelmoschus manihot). A minor disease.
• Mottles and mosaics of pale of dark and light green throughout the younger leaves. Ring spots occur on Hibiscus but are rare on bele. Likely impact is low.
• Spread is by cuttings, and possibly in sap.
• Cultural control: virus-free tissue cultured plants (SPC CePaCT has some Pacific varieties); use seed if available. Seed will be unlike its parents, but it offers a way to have healthy plants and new varieties.
• Chemical control: not appropriate for this disease.